2 minute read
SOLID FOUNDATIONS
Minister Damien O’Connor shares a vision for a better world.
The products that come off the land and from the sea are the bedrock of our way of life. The export dollars they bring in each year build our schools, roads and hospitals. These products fly our flag in all corners of the world and are prized by discerning customers everywhere. It’s a testament to the rural communities at the heart of all this activity that we’re seeing continued, sustained growth across New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors.
We can be justifiably proud, but challenges remain. Expectations, at home and abroad, are changing and we need to be innovative and agile to keep pace.
In April 2018, I brought together a group of visionary agribusiness leaders to help the food and fibre sectors to capture more value from its work. Comprising 15 people from across the sector, the Primary Sector Council was formed to give independent strategic advice to the Government on issues confronting the sector – with an immediate focus on developing a sector-wide vision.
The Council recently delivered that vision, and I’m delighted to say that it is supported by New Zealand’s major farmer and grower organisations. The vision, titled Fit For a Better World acknowledges that international customers increasingly want to know the story behind their food. They want to know it’s climate friendly and sustainably produced, with high animal welfare standards and by a workforce that’s treated with respect and paid fairly.
By using Fit for a Better World as our guide, I’m confident we’ll achieve premiums in the marketplace from consumers seeking out our food and produce. I think we can drive more value for our farmers and growers while protecting our unique environment.
This work is very much the beginning, not the end. The Council is currently developing its final report and recommendations, which I expect it to deliver in March. The work then is about taking the vision and turning it into a practical workable plan.
Continuing the theme of looking forward, New Zealand Food Safety has launched its strategy and action plan to maintain New Zealand’s reputation as a provider of trusted and safe food.
The good news is that the safety and quality of New Zealand food is already recognised at home and with our trading partners.
The strategy recognises the need to work hard to build on those solid foundations. It sets out a plan of action to 2024 and five priorities to:
• ensure New Zealand’s world-class food safety system remains robust
• proactively support consumers to make informed food choices
• actively contribute to new thinking in international forums
• work in genuine partnership with Māori
• be innovative and forward-looking in meeting new challenges.
Reducing foodborne illness will always be New Zealand Food Safety’s core business. The strategy allows us to look at that work in a wider context so we can do our part in achieving the vision that New Zealand food is trusted and recognised by everyone, everywhere.
Damien O’Connor Minister of Agriculture and Minister for Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Rural Communities Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth
Damien O'Connor - Minister of Agriculture and Minister for Biosecurity, Food Safety and Rural Communities Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth
Damien O’Connor
Minister of Agriculture and Minister for Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Rural Communities Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth
